[Fresia]

I have some changes going on in my body that are not making sense and cannot figure it out for some time now. I tried talking to the RNP and another provider about it and they dismissed me. The symptoms are becoming more and more of a problem so I have taken some time off to meet with my PCP at the end of the week. I am just concerned because it makes no sense to me that I wonder what he will think as well but cannot afford to be dismissed again because I am so uncomfortable, and it is painful and frustrating.

It is bothering me because of all the times in the past that have been dismissed and not heard when something has been wrong, knew there was a problem, but was pushed to the side anyway. Then continued to push back, opinion after opinion, and finally someone heard to identify the problem. However the struggle to get to that point and deal with the symptoms in the process is more than frustrating, let alone debilitating and painful (physically and emotionally) in the process as well.

As a result, it always makes me hesitate to bring anything up, for fear of rejection and being dismissed that I don't want this to turn into another one of those times. I have already put this off for some time now after the last dismissal but cannot stand it any longer. I guess we'll see what happens.

I hope no one else has experienced this but just in case anyone else has experienced not being heard by their providers, here is a place to share or vent. How do you cope with this?

Meanwhile thanks in advance for listening to me vent and please wish me luck that there might be some answers and relief soon.

[Raindropvampire]

Wishing you lots of luck. I almost died because I was dismissed. If it wasn't for my aunt dragging me back in two days later it all would have been over. It's frustrating to say the least so vent all you want

[Walking Man]

I feel like that all the time. You just have to keep going back, and find a new doctor when that doesn't work. Some NP/PAs are especially bad about taking you seriously. You can get stuck in a "holding pattern", when what you need is action. Sometimes seeing a different type of specialist helps; a neurosurgeon feather than orthopedic surgeon, or an Internist rather than a GP. Sometimes it's just the culture of the physician's office. I've heard taking someone with you to appointments helps.

Best wishes.

[Little Lulu]

If you feel you are not being heard at an appointment, look the provider in the eyes and say something like 'This is important to me and I want you to hear what I am saying'. I am a medical provider and I have had patients say something akin to that to me and it brings me right back to where I should be when I get distracted or am feeling overwhelmed on any particular work day.

If that doesn't work, find a new provider.

[Umbral_Seraph]

I'm so sorry the doctors aren't listening to you. I've gone through that alot myself. It seems most doctors are either so set in their ways or they think you couldn't possibly understand anything about your own body.

[Fresia]

So the PCP listened after two other docs and RNP did not; it is too bad could not get in to him sooner. He scheduled testing that had on Friday; hopefully will have the results the beginning of next week. He was not confident as to something definitive but covered the bases as to several possibilities that I appreciated also for not dismissing me. So we will see.

Thank you so much for the support. I am sorry that this has happened to others as well. It is amazing how something simple as trying to be heard and fighting for it can trigger such an emotional response for me. Seems like common decency just to listen to someone, especially in the role of a provider, that as a patient would not bring something up just to pass the time; it is a real problem, to say, please pay attention. I guess it is just not so "common" anymore just to listen. I am thankful for being heard this time and wish this for everyone.

Thanks again for your support and take good care meanwhile.